“England’s cathedrals are among our very greatest public buildings, and include some of the finest cathedrals in Europe. But they are old and vulnerable to the ravages of time and weather and cost an enormous amount to maintain. We will be failing future generations if we do not allow them to inherit these great buildings.

“I have a lifelong passion for cathedrals and, as a Christian, have a real appreciation of their primary purpose. But even those who do not share the Christian faith can appreciate them as architectural masterpieces.

“Through this debate, I am seeking to draw attention to the place that cathedrals hold in our national and local and cultural life.”